Cliff Bleszinski not involved in new Gears of War, franchise ‘couldn’t be in better hands’

Microsoft intrigued the gaming world and excited series fans yesterday with the announcement that the publisher had acquired the rights to the Gears of War franchise, with the newly formed and secretive Black Tusk Studios handling development and previous Gears of War director, Rod Fergusson, stewarding the creation of a new game in the series.

Naturally, questions arose regarding the possible involvement of Gears of War creator and frontman Cliff Bleszinski, who left Epic Games towards the end of 2012 to pursue new challenges in the game industry.

Speaking on his personal blog, Bleszinski shot down speculation that he would move to Vancouver to join Black Tusk to work on the new Gears of War, but says that with Rod Fergusson in charge the franchise is in very good hands, writing:

“To be honest, I don’t think the franchise could be in better hands. Heck, Rod’s Twitter handle, to this day, is “Gears Viking.” Gears is just as much Rod’s baby as it was mine. He’ll take good care of her.”

He also wrote how Xbox boss Phil Spencer even went so far as to give Bleszinski a phone call to let him know of the acquisition deal, which was appreciated, but not necessary:

“Phil Spencer went out of his way to give me a phone call to inform me of the transaction last week. Phil, you didn’t have to do that, you’re a gentleman. I appreciate it; that goes a long way. 343 knocked it out of the park with Halo and I think Black Tusk will do a fantastic job with Gears.”

So what does the future hold for Bleszinski? Moving forward, not backwards, he says:

“My headspace is in the future now, not the past. I have come to realize that until you give people something new to focus on they will obsess about the past. (good problem to have!)

“To those of you who love Gears, I love you as well, and I appreciate your support through the years. The fandom, the cosplay, the tattoos, it all means more than any amount of money could ever mean.”

What do you hope Bleszinski is working on next? Another blockbuster franchise in the same vein as Gears of War, or something more subtle but just as impactful as the series he helped create on Xbox 360?